Car News, Specs and Reviews

Maserati Gran Turismo

This 2+2 fixed-head coupe launched in 2007 shows Pininfarina’s design expertise at its most refined and elegant. The masterful Maserati Gran Turismo has a prominent front grille above a downforce spoiler that hints at the car’s outstanding performance, combined with classical flowing lines that are both aerodynamically efficient and a delight to those discriminating eyes that note a certain similarity to the Gran Turismo’s Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano stablemate.

The name also resonates, representing a reminder of Maserati’s decisive decision to put a racing-car engine in a road car more than 60 years ago.

Today’s opulent Gran Turismo simply oozes class, with that brilliant styling and an opulent interior, plus an exhilarating driving experience and performance to match anything in its class.

The powerful V8 with its throaty roar can frighten even the most experienced driver, though happily this obliging car – helped by the latest electronic systems – sticks tenaciously to the road whatever the speed and corners as though it were on rails. For those daring souls who want to squeeze the last drop of performance out of their Gran Turismo, pressing the ‘sport’ button speeds up gear changes.

A new Gran Turismo S version appeared to dazzle visitors to the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. It boasted a larger 4.7 litre engine, new transaxle fast-shift gearbox and optional Skyhook adaptive suspension. The Gran Turismo S MC Sports Line was introduced the same year, and a Gran Turismo Automatic followed in 2009.

Rumours of a convertible in waiting are rife, but one thing remains the same – a price tag to deter all but the super-rich, though happily for lovers of automobile excellence (and owner Fiat) plenty of those who don’t mind their expensive car halving in value over three years have joined the queue for a Gran Turismo.

In many a 2+2 the second ‘2’ doesn’t equate with ‘two rear-seat passengers travelling in comfort over long distances’. In the Gran Turismo it does, and their convenience is assisted by electric front seats that automatically slide forward to aid rear access or egress when the backs are tilted.